A term used by police and partner agencies to describe anyone whose whereabouts cannot be established and where there is concern for their wellbeing, or the circumstances suggest they may be at risk of harm or subject to crime. All MISPER reports are risk‑assessed and managed on a continuum from low to high risk.
Difference from “Absent”:
A person recorded as Absent is not where they are expected to be, but there is no immediate or apparent risk of harm. A MISPER classification is used when concerns about safety, vulnerability, or risk are present, and triggers a formal police investigation and multi‑agency response.